Organization of Government

Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John Holdren released this memo on February 22, 2013, which requests government departments to develop plans to increase access to federally funded research.

The primary political parties in Mexico negotiated these accords to create congressional consensus and move forward on reforms in the areas of civil rights, economics, security, and governance. The original pact was signed on December 2, 2012, and a fourth political party joined on January 28, 2013.

Renewing America

President Obama's plans for a consolidated trade and commerce department underscores his goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014, but some question how creatinga larger organization will increase efficiency.

The Atlantic's James Fallows reacts to fears of American decline, pointing to unwarranted cries of imminent doom throughout American history, but also worries that the system of government needs fixing in order for the U.S. to maintain its strength.

The United States may be the largest donor of foreign assistance in the world, but it ranks among the lowest in terms of quality and effectiveness of its aid, according to a report by the Center for Global Development (CGD), in cooperation with the Brookings Institution, that assesses more than 150 countries' foreign aid money.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul sent this cable to the State Department on February 18, 2010. It summarizes what Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell learned from meetings with South Korean leaders and experts about the possibilities of succession in North Korea.

Noah Feldman discusses the need for a balance between secrecy and transparency in the U.S. government. He explains, "The effective operation of even the most democratic government requires secrecy and surprise as well as transparency and predictability."

2015 Annual Report

Learn more about CFR’s mission and its work over the past year in the 2015 Annual Report. The Annual Report spotlights new initiatives, high-profile events, and authoritative scholarship from CFR experts, and includes a message from CFR President Richard N. Haass.Read and download »